Aromatic compounds, a process for their preparation and their use in human and veterinary medicine and for cosmetic compositions

ABSTRACT

An aromatic compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or 1, 
     (1) when n is 1, 
     R&#39; represents hydrogen or C 1  -C 4  alkoxy, 
     R&#34; represents hydrogen, OH, C 1  -C 4  acyloxy, C 1  -C 4  alkoxy or amino, 
     or R&#39; and R&#34; taken together form an oxo, methano or hydroxy-imino radical, 
     R 1  represents--CH 2  OH or --COR 10 , 
     R 10  represents hydrogen, OR 11  or ##STR2## R 11  represents hydrogen, C 1  -C 20  alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxy alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, the residue of a sugar or ##STR3## p is 1,2 or 3, r&#39; and r&#34; represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl, benzyl, the residue of an amino acid or the residue of an aminated sugar, of r&#39; and r&#34; taken together form a heterocycle, 
     R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5  and R 6  represent hydrogen, OH, C 1  -C 12  alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, phenyl or a radical of the formulas (i)--X--C 6  H 5 , (ii)--X--R 12  or (iii)--NHCOR 13 , 
     X is --0--,--S--,--SO--,--SO 2  -- or--OCO, 
     R 12  is alkyl or fluoroalkyl, 
     R 13  is alkyl or phenyl, 
     with at least one or R 2  to R 6  being other than hydrogen, 
     R 7 , R 8  and R 9  represent hydrogen or methyl, R 7  and R 9 , taken together, being able to form, with the benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, with the exclusion of compounds of formula (I) wherein R 7  is hydrogen or methyl when R 4  represents methyl or OH when R 2 , R 3 , R 5  and R 6  represent hydrogen or when R 6  represents hydroxyl, 
     (2) when n is 0, 
     R&#39; represents hydrogen, 
     R&#34; represents OH, 
     or R&#39; and R&#34; taken together form an oxo radical, 
     R 1  represents --CH 2  OH, --CH═0 or --COOR 11 , 
     R 11  represents hydrogen or alkyl, 
     R 2  and R 3  represents hydrogen or C 3  -C 6  alkyl, 
     R 5  represents 
     (i) C 3  -C 6  cycloalkyl or alkyl in which case, R 4  represents alkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy, or 
     (ii) hydrogen, in which case R 4  represents alkyl, 
     R 6  represents hydrogen, and 
     R 7  represents hydrogen or methyl, and the salts of said aromatic compound as well as its optical and geometric isomers. 
     These compounds are useful in human and veterinary medicines and in cosmetic compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to new aromatic compounds, to a process for their preparation and to their use in human and veterinary medicine and in cosmetic compositions.

The compounds in accordance with the present invention exhibit an activity in the topical and systemic treatment of dermatologic diseases linked to a keratinization disorder (differentiation-poliferation) and dermatologic diseases (or others) having inflammatory and/or immunoallergic components and in the treatment of illnesses of the degeneration of conjunctive tissue as well as an anti-tumoral activity. Moreover, these compounds can be employed in the treatment of atrophy, be it cutaneous or respiratory and in the treatment of rheumatoid psoriasis.

These compounds also possess good activity against the germs involved in acne.

Finally, the compounds of the present invention are usefully employed in the opthamology field and principally in the treatment of corneopathies.

The aromatic compounds f the present invention can be represented by the formula: ##STR4##

n is 0 or 1,

(1) when n=1,

R' represents hydrogen or alkoxy having 1-4 carbon atoms,

R" represents hydrogen, OH, acyloxy having 1-4 carbon atoms, alkoxy having 1-4 carbon atoms or or NH₂,

or R' and R" taken together form an oxo (=0), methano (--CH₂) or hydroxy imino (═N--OH) group,

R₁ represents --CH₂ OH or --COR₁₀,

R₁₀ represents hydrogen, --OR₁₁ or ##STR5##

R₁₁ represents hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1-20 carbon atoms, monohydroxalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl or aralkyl optionally substituted, the residue of a sugar or ##STR6## wherein p is 1, 2 or 3 and r' and r" represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl optionally interrupted by a heteroatom, polyhydroxyalkyl, aryl or benzyl optionally substituted, the residue of an amino acid or aminated sugar, or taken together form a heterocycle,

R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ represent hydrogen, --OH, linear or branched alkyl having 1-12 carbon atoms, cycoalkyl, cycloalkenyl, phenyl optionally substituted or a radical corresponding to one of the following formulas:

    --X--C.sub.6 H.sub.5,                                      (i)

    --X--R.sub.12 or                                           (ii)

    --NHCOR.sub.13                                             (iii)

wherein

X represents --O--, --S--, --SO--, --SO₂ --or --OCO--,

R₁₂ represents alkyl or lower fluoroalkyl, and

R₁₃ represents alkyl or phenyl, at least one of R₂ to R₆ being other than hydrogen,

R₇, R₈ and R₉ represent hydrogen or methyl, R₇ and R₉ taken together being able to form, with the benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, with the exclusion of compounds of formula (I) wherein R₇ is hydrogen or methyl when R₄ represents methyl or OH, when R₂, R₃, R₅ and R₆ represent hydrogen or when R₆ represent hydroxyl;

(2) when n=O.

R' represents hydrogen,

R" represents OH, or

R' and R" taken together form an oxo (=0) radical

R₁ represents --CH₂ OH, --CH═0 or --COOR₁₁ wherein R₁₁ is hydrogen or lower alkyl,

R₂ and R₃ represent hydrogen or alkyl having 3-6 carbon atoms,

R₅ represents

(i) either cycloalkyl or alkyl having 3-6 carbons atoms and in this case R₄ represents lower alkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy, or

(ii) hydrogen and in this case R₄ represents lower alkyl,

R₆ represents hydrogen and

R₇ represents hydrogen or methyl,

and the salts of said aromatic compounds as well as their optical and geometric isomers.

By lower alkyl is meant an alkyl radical having 1-6 carbon atoms.

Representative lower alkyl radicals and those having up to 20 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert.butyl, isooctyl, dodecyl, hexadecyl and octadecyl.

By monohydroxyalkyl is meant a radical having 2-6 carbon atoms and principally 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl or 2-hydroxy ethoxyethyl.

By polyhydroxyalkyl is meant a radical containing 3-6 carbon atoms and 2-5 hydroxyl groups such as 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 1,3-dihydroxypropyl or the residue of pentaerythritol.

By aryl is meant phenyl optionally by halogen, --OH, --NO₂, lower alkyl, substituted trifluoromethyl or a carboxylic acid function.

The preferred aralkyl radical is benzyl or phenethyl.

By residue of a sugar is meant a residue derived, for example, from glucose, mannose, erythrose or galactose.

By residue of an amino acid is meant a residue derived, for example, from methionine or α-or β-alanine.

Representative residues of aminated sugars include those derived from glucosamine, galactosamine or mannosamine.

By cycloalkyl is meant radicals having from 5-12 carbon atoms and principally cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and adamantyl.

By cycloalkenyl is meant, preferably, cyclohexen-1-yl and cyclopenten-1-yl.

The preferred fluoroalkyl radicals are trifluoromethyl and pentafluoroethyl.

When the radicals r' and r" taken together from a heterocycle, the heterocycle is, preferably piperidino, piperazino, morpholino, pyrrolidino or 4-(2-hydroxyethyl) piperazino.

When the compounds according to the present invention are provided in the form of salts, they can be salts of an alkali or alkaline earth metal or even of zinc, or of an organic amine when they carry at least one free acid function, or of salts of a mineral organic acid, principally the hydrochloride, hydrobromide or citrate when they carry at least one amine function.

As a function of formula (I) above, the compounds of the present invention can be benzene derivatives or naphthalene derivatives of following formulas (II) and (III): ##STR7## wherein

R₁ to R₇, R' and R" have the same meanings given for those in formula (I) when n=0, ##STR8## wherein

R₁ to R₆, R' and R" have the same meanings given for those in formula (I) when n=1.

It will be noted that the compounds of formula (III) have good stability to light and oxygen.

Among the compounds of formula (II) those particularly preferred correspond to following formula (IV): ##STR9## wherein

R' represents hydrogen,

R" represents OH or

R' and R" taken together from an oxo (=0) radical,

R'₁ represents --CH₂ OH, --CH═0 or --COOOR'₁₁ wherein R'₁₁ is hydrogen or lower alkyl,

R'₂ and R'₃ represent hydrogen or alkyl having 3-6 carbon atoms, and

R'₅ represents either (i) cycloalkyl or alkyl having 3-6 carbon atoms and in this case R'₄ represents lower alkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy, or (ii) hydrogen and in this case R'₄ represents lower

Among the compounds of formula (III) those particularly preferred correspond to following formulas (V) and (VI): ##STR10## wherein

R'₁₀ represents --OR'₁₁ or --NHR'₁₁ wherein R'₁₁ represents hydrogen or lower alkyl,

R'₂ represents hydrogen or lower alkyl, and

R'₄ represents lower alkyl, preferably isopropyl or tert.butyl, or cycloalkyl, preferably, cyclohexyl. ##STR11## wherein

R'₁₀ represents --OR'₁₁ or --NHR'₁₁ wherein R'₁₁ represents hydrogen or lower alkyl,

R"₂ and R'₆ represent hydrogen or lower alkyl,

R'₃ represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, phenyl or adamantyl, and

R'₁₂ represents lower alkyl or phenyl.

Representative compounds of formula (I) in accordance with the present invention include the following:

(1) 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) 2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate.

(2) 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) naphthalene carboxylic acid,

(3) 6-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate,

(4) 6-(4-methoxy -2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid,

(5) 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate,

(6) 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid,

(7) N-ethyl 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxamide,

(8) 6-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylate,

(9) 6-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid,

(10) 6-(4-methoxy benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate,

(11) 6-(4-cyclohexyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate,

(12) 6-(4-cyclohexyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid,

(13) 6-(4-methoxy-3-phenyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate,

(14) 6-(4-methoxy-3-phenyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid,

(15) 6-(4-phenoxy benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate,

(16) 6-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxymethyl]-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid,

(17) 6-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxymethyl]-2-naphthalene carbinol,

(18) 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid,

(19) 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) methyl benzoate,

(20) 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzoic acid,

(21) 4-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid,

(22) 1-(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl)-1-(4-hydroxymethyl phenyl) methanol,

(23) 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzaldehyde,

(24) 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl ethyl cinnamate,

(25) 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl cinnamic acid,

(26) [4-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]methyl benzoate,

(27) 4-[(3-adamantyl-4-methoxyphenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid,

(28) 4-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxybenzoyl) benzoic acid,

(29) 4-(3-adamantyl-4-hydroxybenzoyl) benzoic acid,

(30) 4-(3-adamantyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) methyl benzoate,

(31) 4-(3,5-di tert.butyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) methyl benzoate and

(32) 4-(3,5-di tert.butyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) benzoic acid.

The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the compounds of formula (I) defined above. The compounds of formula (II) wherein R' and R" together form an oxo radical and n=0 are obtained in accordance with the following reaction scheme: ##STR12##

R₁₁ =alkyl having 1-20 carbon atoms.

The starting 4-alkoxycarbonyl benzoic acid (1) is obtained by the oxidation of alkyl 4-formyl benzoate, preferably methyl 4-formyl benzoate which is a commercial product.

The corresponding acid chloride is prepared by the action of thionyl chloride in accordance with conventional methods for preparing acid chlorides.

The condensation reaction of the chloride of 4-alkoxy carbonyl benzoic acid (2) on the benzene derivative (3) is carried out under Friedel-Crafts reaction conditions, i.e. in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride in an organic solvent such as 1,2-dichloroethane at a temperature between 0° and 25° C. with stirring.

Starting with the ester (4) there is obtained by saponification the corresponding acid (5) which can then be transformed into the amide of formula (6) by reaction with an amine of the formula ##STR13## in the presence of N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI).

For certain meanings of R₁₁ of formula (I), in particular when R₁₁ represents a monohydroxy or polyhydroxy alkyl radical, it is preferably to prepare the acid (5) starting with the methyl ester (4) (R₁₁ =--CH₃) and then to esterify the resulting acid into the ester of the selected alcohol in accordance with known methods.

When in the compounds of formula (I) n=1, these compounds are obtained in accordance with the following reaction scheme: ##STR14##

The keto-acid (5) is reduced in the presence of lithium aluminum hydride to the corresponding diol (7) which is then oxidized in the presence of pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) which leads to the ketoaldehyde (8). The latter, by the Wittig-Horner reaction with an alkyl phosphone acetate, substituted or not, leads, in the presence of sodium hydride in an organic solvent such as THF, to the unsaturated ester of formula (9).

The ester of formula (9) can than be transformed, as before, into the corresponding acid and then into the amide by reaction with an amine of the formula ##STR15##

The compounds of formula (II) wherein R'=H and R'=OH are obtained starting with ketonic derivatives, by reduction with sodium borohydride in THF or methanol.

The compounds of formula (II) wherein R'=R"=H are obtained by the reduction with zinc of the ketonic derivatives, in acetic acid, in the presence of HCl.

These reduction reactions of the carbonyl must however be compatible with the nature of the various substituents (R₂ to R₇) as well as with the radical R₁. It can be desirable to ensure optional protection, however, the reduction of the carbonyl creates no difficulty when R₁ =--CO₂ H.

The acyloxy derivatives of the compounds of formula (II) (R'=H and R"=C₁ -C₄ acyloxy) are obtained by reacting an activated form of the acid such as an anhydride or acid chloride with a compound of formula (II) wherein R'=H and R"=OH.

The alkoxy derivatives of the compounds of formula (II) (R'=H and R"=C₁ -C₄ alkoxy) are also obtained starting with the compounds of formula (II) (R'=H and R"=OH) in accordance with known methods.

For the preparation of the acyloxy and alkoxy derivatives it is preferable that the radical R₁ is an ester, an acid or an amide function.

The compounds of formula (III) wherein R' and R" together form an oxo radical are obtained in accordance with the following reaction scheme: ##STR16##

X=Br or Cl and R₁₁ =C₁ -C₂₀ alkyl

The starting 6-alkoxy carbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid (10) is obtained by the monosaponification reaction of 2,6 alkyl naphthalene dicarboxylate, preferably starting with 2,6 methyl naphthalene dicarboxylate which is a commercial product. The corresponding acid chloride (11) is prepared by reaction with thionyl chloride in accordance with conventional procedures for preparing acid chlorides.

The condensation reaction of the chloride of 6-alkoxy carbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid (11) can be effected either on the benzene derivative (12), under Friedel-Crafts conditions, or on the magnesium derivative of the halogeno benzene derivative (13).

The Friedel-Crafts reaction conditions are the same as those given above for the preparation of the compounds of formula (4). The preparation of the magnesium derivative of the halogeno benzene derivative (13) is effected in anhydrous THF at reflux and the condensation of the acid chloride is carried out at a temperature of about 0° C. in the same solvent.

In accordance with the same methods as those described above for the compounds of formula (II) the other compounds of formula (III) can be prepared, i.e. compounds of formulas (15) and (16) as well as compounds of formula (III) wherein R' and R", taken together, are other than.an oxo radical.

The present invention further relates to a medicine comprising the compounds of formula (I) as defined above.

These compounds exhibit excellent activity in the inhibition test of ornithine decarboxylase in nude rats, after induction, by "tape stripping," M. Bouclier, et al, Dermatologica 169, No. 4 (1984). This test is recognized as a measure of an antiproliferative activity.

These compounds are particularly appropriate for treating dermatologic ailments linked to a keratinization disorder (differentiation-proliferation) as well as dematologic diseases, or others, having an inflammatory and/or immunoallergic component, principally:

acne vulgaris, comedons or polymorphs, solar senile acne and medicinal or professional acne,

extensive and/or severe forms of psoriasis and other keratinization disorders, and principally ichtysoses and ichtysosis like conditions,

Darier malady,

palmo-plantar keratodermies,

leucophasies and leucophasie-like states, lichen plan,

all malignant or benign dermatologic proliferations, severe or extensive.

They are also active in the treatment of tumors, of rheumatoid psoriasis, cutaneous or respiratory atrophies as well as in certain opthalmologic problems relating to corneopathies.

Thus, the present invention also relates to medicinal compositions containing at least one compound of formula (I), such as defined above, or one of its salts or one of its optical or geometric isomers.

The present invention thus relates to a new medicinal composition, intended principally for the treatment of the above-mentioned disorders, comprising in a pharmaceutically acceptable support, an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) and/or one of its salts and/or one of its optical or geometric isomers.

The compounds according to the present invention are generally administered at a daily dosage of about 2 μg/kg to 2mg/kg of body weight.

As the vehicle or carrier for these compositions any conventional vehicle can be employed, the active component being found either in the dissolved state, or in the dispersed state, in said vehicle.

The administration of the compounds of the present invention can be effected enterally, parenterally, topically or ocularly.

When administered enterally, the medicines can be provided in the form of tablets, gelules, lozenges, syrups, suspensions, solutions, powders, granules or emulsions.

When administered parenterally, the medicinal compositions can be provided in the form of solutions or suspensions for perfusion or injection.

When administered topically, the pharmaceutical compositions, based on the compounds according to the present invention, can be provided in the form of ointments, tinctures, creams, salves, powders, pads, impregnated tampons, solutions, lotions, gels, sprays or suspensions.

These compositions for topical administration can be provided under anhydrous form or in aqueous form according to clinical indications.

When administered ocularly, the composition is provided principally in the form of an eyewash.

The compositions for topical or ocular administration contain preferably from 0.0005 to about 5 percent by weight of at least one compound of formula (I) such as defined above relative to the total weight of the composition.

The compounds of formula (I), according to the present invention, are also useful in the cosmetic field, in particular in body and hair hygiene compositions and principally for the treatment of skin having acne tendencies, to improve the growth of hair, to combat hair loss, to combat against an only appearance of the skin or hair, in the prevention or treatment of the harmful effects of the sun or in the treatment of physiologically dry skin.

The present invention thus relates to a cosmetic composition containing, in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) or one of its salts and/or one of its isomers, this composition being provided principally in the form of a lotion, gel, cream, soap or shampoo.

The concentration of the compound of formula (I) in these cosmetic compositions is between 0.0005 and 2 percent by weight and, preferably, between 0.01 and 1 percent by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

The medicinal and cosmetic compositions according to the present invention can contain inert or even pharmacodynamic or cosmetically active additives and, principally: hydrating agents such as thiamorpholinone and its derivates or urea; antiseborrheic or anti-acne agents such as S-carboxymethylcysteine, 5-benzylcysteamine, their salts and their derivatives, tioxolone or benzoyl peroxide; antibiotics such as erythromycin and its esters, neomycin, tetracyclines and 4,5-polymethylene-3-isothiazolones; agents promoting the growth of hair such as "Minoxidil" (2.4-diamino-6-piperidino-3-pyrimidine oxide) and its derivatives, Diazoxide (7-chloro-3-methyl-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxide) and Phenytoin (5,5-diphenyl-2,4-imidazolidine dione); steroidal and non-steriodal anti-inflammatory agents; carotenoids and, principally, 8-carotene; anti-psoriasic agents such as anthralin and its derivatives and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic and 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acids, and their esters and amides.

The compositions according to the present invention can also include flavor improving agents, preservatives, stabilizers, humidity regulating agents, pH regulating agents, osmotic pressure modifying agents, emulsifiers, UV-A and UV-B filters, anti-oxidants such as α-tocopherol, butylhydroxyanisole or butylhydroxy toluene.

The following non-limiting examples illustrate the preparation of the active compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention as well as compositions containing the compounds.

EXAMPLES OF PREPARATION Example 1 Preparation of 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate Compound of formula V wherein R'₁₀ =OCH₃, R'₂ =R"₄ =isoC₃ H₇

To a suspension of 1.62g (10 mmoles) of m-diisopropylbenzene and 2.49 g (10 mmoles) of 6-methoxy carbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid chloride in 80cm³ of anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane, there are added, by portions, 1.87g (14 mmoles) of anhydrous aluminum chloride. The mixture is stirred for 4 hours at ambient temperature and then pured into 100 cm³ of acidulated ice water. The organic phase is decanted. The aqueous phase is extracted twice with 70 cm³ of dichloroethane. The dichloroethane phases are combined, washed with sodium bicarbonate and then with water, dried on sodium sulfate and then concentrated. The resulting solid is purified by silica gel chromatography in a 60/40 toluene/dichloromethane mixture followed by a repasting in isopropyl ether. After filtering and drying 1.2 g of 6-(2,4-diisopropylbenzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate in the form of a white powder whose melting point is 71°-73° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 60 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental analysis: C.sub.25 H.sub.25 O.sub.3                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  80.40        6.75   12.85                                          Found       80.16        7.00   13.13                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 2 Preparation of 6-(2,4-diisopropylbenzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid Compound of formula V wherein R'₁₀ =OH,

R'₂ =R"--₄ =isoC₃ H₇

A suspension of 0.9 g (2.4mmoles) of 6-(2,4-diissopropyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate obtained in Example 1 is stirred for 2 hours in a mixture of 15cm³ of alcohol and 15cm³ of 6N aqueous potash heated to reflux. After the addition of 50cm³ of water, the alcohol is removed by evaporation under a vacuum. The resulting aqueous phase is diluted to 200cm³, cooled to between 0° and 5° C. and then acidified with 15cm³ of 12N HCl. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed with water and dried at 80° C. on potash.

After recystallization in isopropylether, 0.5 g of white crystals of 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid whose melting point is 187°-189° C. is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.24 H.sub.24 O.sub.3                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  79.97        6.71   13.32                                          Found       39.94        6.72   13.25                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 3 Preparation of 6-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate Compound of formula VI wherein R'₁₀ =--OCH₃, R"₂ =R'₃ =R'₆ =CH₃, R'₁₂ =CH₃

To a suspension of 1.5 g (10 mmoles) of 2,3,5-trimethyl anisole and 2.5 g (10 mmoles) of 6-methoxycarbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid chloride in 80cm³ of anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane, there are added, by portions, 1.87 g (14 mmoles) of anhydrous aluminum chloride. The mixture is stirred for three hours at ambient temperature and then poured into 100cm³ of acidulated ice water. The organic phase is decanted. The aqueous phase is then extracted once with 100cm³ of dichloroethane. The dichloroethane phases are combined, washed with sodium bicarbonate and then with water, dried on sodium sulfate and concentrated. The resulting solid is purified by silica gel chromotography in a 60/40 toluene/dichloromethane mixture. After evaporation and drying, 1.2 g of 6-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate in the form of a yellow powder whose melting point is 144°-145° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 60 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.23 H.sub.22 O.sub.4                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  76.22        6.12   17.66                                          Found       76.30        6.09   17.50                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 4 Preparation of 6-(4-methoxy 2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid Compound of formula VI wherein R'₁₀ =OH, R"₂ =R'₃ =R'₆ =CH₃, R'₁₂ =CH₃

A suspension of 0.98 g (2.7 mmoles) of 6-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate obtained in Example 3 is stirred for 2 hours in a mixture of 20cm³ of alcohol and 20cm³ of 6N aqueous potash heated to reflux.

After the addition of 60cm³ of water, the alcohol is removed by evaporation under a vacuum. The resulting aqueous phase is diluted to 300cm³, cooled to between 0° and 5° C. and then acidified with 20cm³ of 12N HCl. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed with water and dried at 80° C. on potash.

After recystallization, at first in a cyclohexane/ethylacetate mixture and then in a hexane/acetone mixture, 0.71 g of white crystals of 6-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid whose melting point is 260° C. is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.22 H.sub.20 O.sub.4                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  75.84        5.79   18.37                                          Found       75.64        5.87   18.50                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 5 Preparation of 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate Compound of formula V wherein R'₁₀ =OCH₃, R'₂ =H, R"₄ =tert.C₄ H₉

To a suspension of 1.16 g (12 mmoles) of tert.butyl benzene and 3 g (12 mmoles) of 6-methoxycarbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid chloride in 80cm³ of anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane, there are added, by portions, 3.2 g (24 mmoles) of anhydrous aluminum chloride. The mixture is stirred for 5 hours at ambient temperature and then poured into 100cm³ of acidulated ice water. The organic phase is decanted and the aqueous phase once again extracted with 100cm³ of dichloroethane. The dichloroethane phases are combined, washed with sodium bicarbonate, dried on sodium sulfate and then concentrated. The resulting crude·solid is recrystallized twice in methanol and then once in isopropanol. After drying, 1.62 g of white crystals of 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate whose melting point is 133.5°-134.5° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 60 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.23 H.sub.22 O.sub.3                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  79.74        6.40   13.86                                          Found       79.88        6.50   13.53                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 6 Preparation of 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid Compound of formula V wherein R'₁₀ =OH, R'₂ =H, R"₄ =tert.C₄ H₉

A suspension of 1.25 g (3.6 mmoles) of 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate obtained in Example 5 is stirred for 2 hours in a mixture of 25cm³ of alcohol and 25cm³ of 6N aqueous potash heated at reflux. After addition of 100cm³ of water, the alcohol is removed by evaporation under a vacuum. The resulting aqueous phase is diluted to 250cm³, cooled to between 0° and 5° C. and then acidified with 20cm³ of 12N HCl. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed with water and dried at 80° C. on potash.

After recrystallization in isopropylether, 0.84g of white crystals of 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid whose melting point is 233°-234° is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.22 H.sub.20 O.sub.3                                           C%         H%     O%                                                  ______________________________________                                         Calculated 79.49        6.06   14.44%                                          Found      79.54        6.07   14.36                                           ______________________________________                                    

Example 7 Preparation of N-ethyl 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxamide Compound of formula V wherein R'₁₀ =--NHC₂ H₅, R'₂ =H, R"₄ =tert.C₄ H₉

A suspension of 250 mg (0.75 mmole) of 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid obtained in Example 6 and 150 mg (0.92 mmole) of N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole in 8cm³ of anhydrous dichloromethane is stirred for 1 hour at ambient temperature. 0.06cm³ (0.88 mmole) of anhydrous ethylamine is added to the resulting solution. After stirring for 1 hour, the reaction mixture is diluted with 20cm³ of dichloromethane, washed successively with 10cm³ of water, 10cm³ of normal NaOH, 10cm³ of water, 10cm³ of normal HCl and finally with 10cm³ of water. The dichloromethane phase is dried on sodium sulfate and then evaporated to dryness. The crude amide is dried under a vacuum at 60° C., then recrystallized in isopropyl ether. 90 mg of white crystals of N-ethyl 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxamide whose melting point is 139° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.24 H.sub.25 NO.sub.2                                            C%   H%         N%     O%                                           ______________________________________                                         Calculated   80.19  7.01       3.90 8.90                                       Found        79.98  7.00       4.03 9.11                                       ______________________________________                                    

Example 8 Preparation of 6-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate Compound of formula VI wherein R'₁₀ =OCH₃, R"₂ =R'₆ =R'₃ =adamantyl, R'₁₂ =CH₃

A solution of 6.6 g (0.02 mole) of 2-adamantyl-4-bromo anisole in 75cm³ of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran is added to 500 mg (0.02 mole) of magnesium covered with tetrahydrofuran and brought to reflux until the complete disappearance of the magnesium. The reaction mixture is then cooled to 0° C. at which point it is added to a solution of 2.5 g of (0.01 mole) of 6-methoxycarbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid chloride in anhydrous THF. The mixture is maintained for 1 hour at ambient temperature, then poured into an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride. The expected product is extracted with ether, then dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The 6-(3-adamantyl-4 methoxy benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate is purified by silica gel chromatography (eluant: hexane/ethyl acetate), then crystallized in methanol.

1.2g of a white powder whose melting point is 130°-132° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

Example 9 Preparation of 6-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl)-2- naphthalene carboxylic acid Compound of formula VI wherein R'₁₀ =OH, R"₂ =R'₆ =H, R'₃ =1-adamantyl, R'₁₂ =--CH₃

A suspension of 1 g of 6-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate obtained in Example 8 is stirred for 1 hour in a mixture of 50cm³ of ethanol and 50cm³ of 6N aqueous having added 100cm³ of water, the ethanol is removed by evaporation under a vacuum. The aqueous phase is acidified to pH=1 by the addition of HCl then extracted with 2×100cm³ of ethyl acetate. The organic phase is dried and concentrated under reduced pressure. The 6-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid crystallizes in methanol. After evaporation, a slightly pink powder whose melting point is 270°-272° C., is obtained.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.29 H.sub.28 O.sub.4                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  79.06        6.40   14.52                                          Found       78.58        6.43   14.64                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 10 Preparation of 6-(4-methoxy benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate Compound of formula VI wherein R'₁₀ =OCH₃, R"₂ =R'₃ =R'₆ =H, R'₁₂ =CH₃

To a solution of 4.5 g (0.04 mole) of anisole and 10 g (0.04 mole) of 6-methoxy carbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid chloride in about 80cm³ of anhydrous dichloroethane, there are added, in small portions, 8.05 g (0.06 mole) of anhydrous aluminum chloride. The mixture is left overnight at ambient temperature, then poured into 100cm³ of ice water. The organic phase is decanted. The aqueous The organic phases are combined, washed with sodium bicarbonate, dried on magnesium sulfate then concentrated under reduced pressure. The expected product is purified by recrystallization in acetonitrile followed by a recrystallization in methylethylketone. 2.5 g of a white powder whose melting point is 170°-171° C. are obtained.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.20 H.sub.16 O.sub.4                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  74.98        5.03   19.97                                          Found       75.05        4.95   19.94                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 11 Preparation of 6-(4-cyclohexyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate Compound of formula V wherein R'₁₀ =OCH₃, R₂ =H, R"₄ =cyclohexyl

To a suspension of 2.08 g (13 mmoles) of phenylcyclohexane and 3.23 g (13 mmoles) of 6-methoxycarbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid chloride in 80cm³ of anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane, there are added, in portions, 3.33 g (25 mmoles) of anhydrous aluminum chloride. The mixture is stirred for 6 hours at ambient temperature, then poured into 150cm³ of acidulated ice water. The organic phase is decanted. The aqueous phase is extracted twice with 60cm³ of dichloroethane. The dichloroethane phases are combined, washed with sodium bicarbonate, dried on sodium sulfate, then concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is recrystallized twice in methanol, then in isopropanol. After drying, 2.4 g of white crystals of 6-(4-cyclohexyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate whose melting point is 130° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 60 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.25 H.sub.24 O.sub.3                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  80.62        6.50   12.89                                          Found       80.12        6.58   13.28                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 12 Preparation of 6-(4-cyclohexyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid Compound of formula V wherein R'₁₀ =OH, R'₂ =H, R"₄ =cyclohexyl

A suspension of 1.2 g (3.2 mmoles) of 6-(4-cyclohexyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate, obtained in Example 11, is stirred for 3 hours in a mixture of 25 cm³ of alcohol and 25cm³ of 6N aqueous potash heated to reflux. After the addition of 150cm³ of water, the alcohol is removed by evaporation under a vacuum. The resulting aqueous phase is diluted to 400cm³, cooled to between 0° and 5° C., then acidified with 20cm³ of 12N HCl. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed with water and dried under a vacuum at 80° C. After recrystallization in isopropyl alcohol, 0.95 g of pinkish white crystals of 6-(4-cyclohexyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid whose melting point is 241°-242° C. is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.24 H.sub.22 O.sub.3                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  80.42        6.19   13.39                                          Found       80.36        6.19   13.23                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 13 Preparation of 6-(4-methoxy-3-phenyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate Compound of formula VI wherein R'₁₀ =OCH₃, R"₂ =R'₆ =H, R'₃ =C₆ H₅, R'₁₂ =CH₃

To a suspension of 2.4 g (13 mmoles) of 2-methoxybiphenyl and 3.23 g (13 mmoles) of 6-methoxycarbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid chloride in 80cm³ of anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane, there are added, by portions, 3.33 g (25 mmoles) of anhydrous aluminum chloride. The mixture is stirred for 4 hours at ambient temperature, then poured into 150cm³ of acidulated ice water. The organic phase is decanted. The aqueous phase is extracted twice with 60cm³ of dichloroethane. The dichloroethane phases are combined, washed with sodium bicarbonate, dried on sodium sulfate then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid is taken up in 200cm³ of methanol, filtered and recrystallized twice in methanol, then acetonitrile. After drying, 2 g of white crystals of 6-(4-methoxy-3-phenyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate whose melting point is 160°-162° are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 60 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.26 H.sub.20 O.sub.4                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  78.77        5.09   16.14                                          Found       78.79        5.08   15.98                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 14 Preparation of 6-(4-methoxy-3-phenyl benzoyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid Compound of formula VI wherein R'₁₀ =OH, R"₂ =R'₆ =H, R'₃ =C₆ H₅, R'₁₂ =CH₃

A suspension of 1.3 g (3.28 mmoles) of 6-(4-methoxy-3-phenyl benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate, obtained in Example 13, is stirred for 3 hours in a mixture of 30cm³ of alcohol and 30cm³ of 6N aqueous potash heated at reflux. After the addition of 200cm³ of water, the alcohol is removed by evaporation under a vacuum. The resulting aqueous phase is diluted with 500cm³ of water, cooled to between 0° and 5° C., then acidified with 25cm³ of 12N HCl. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed with water and dried under a vacuum at 80° C. The crude product is rapidly purified by silica 60 gel chromatography, eluted initially with dichloromethane then with a dichloromethane/isopropanol mixture. After evaporation under a vacuum and recrystallization in an acetonitrile/acetic acid mixture, 0.6 g of white crystals of 6-(4-methoxy-3-phenyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid having a melting point of 221°-223° C. is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.25 H.sub.18 O.sub.4                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  78.52        4.74   16.74                                          Found       78.63        4.83   16.55                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 15 Preparation of 6-(4-phenoxy benzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate Compound of formula VI wherein R'₁₀ =OCH₃, R"₂ =R'₃ =R'₆ =H, R'₁₂ =C₆ H₅

To a suspension of 2.21 g (13 mmoles) of diphenyl ether and 3.23 g (13 mmoles) of 6-methoxycarbonyl-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid chloride in 80cm³ of anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane, there are added, by portions, 3.33 g (25 mmoles) of anhydrous aluminum chloride. The mixture is stirred for 5 hours at ambient temperature and then poured into 150cm³ of acidulated ice water. The organic phase is decanted and the aqueous phase is extracted twice with 80cm³ of dichloroethane. The dichloroethane phases are combined, washed with sodium bicarbonate, dried on sodium sulfate, then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid is purified by washing with boiling methanol, then recrystallized in isopropanol. After drying, 3.2 g of white crystals of 6-(4-phenoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate whose melting point is 173° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 60 MHz conforms to the expected structure

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.25 H.sub.18 O.sub.4                                            C%         H%     O%                                                 ______________________________________                                         Calculated  78.52        4.74   16.74                                          Found       78.55        4.83   16.64                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 16 Preparation of 6-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxmethyl]-2-napthalene carboxylic acid Compound of formula III wherein R'=H, R"=OH, R₂ =R₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R₃ =R₅ =R₆ =H, R₁ =--CO₂ H

To a solution of 0.54 g (1.5 mmoles) of 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid, obtained in Example 2, in 15cm³ of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran, cooled to 0° C., there are added 170 mg (4.5 mmoles) of sodium borohydride. The reaction mixture is stirred for 1 hour while letting it return to ambient temperature. It is then heated for about 30 minutes up to the reflux. The reduction is then complete.

The reaction mixture is then cooled to 0° C., acidified by the slow addition of 0.1N HCl and extracted with ethyl ether.

The ether phase is washed with water, dried on sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The resulting crude product is recrystallized in hexane containing a small amount of acetone. After drying at 70° C., 0.4 g of white crystals of 6-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxy methyl]-2-napthalene carboxylic acid whose melting point is 225° C. is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.24 H.sub.26 O.sub.3                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 79.53        7.23   13.24                                          Found:      79.16        7.23   13.44                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 17 Preparation of 6-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxymethyl]-2-naphthalene conbinol Compound of formula III wherein R'=H, R"=OH, R₂ =R₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R₃ =R₅ =R₆ =H, R₁ =CH₂ OH

To a suspension of 230 mg (6 mmoles) of lithium aluminum hydride in 5cm³ of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran, cooled to -10° C., there is added a solution of 0.72 g (2 mmoles) of 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl)-2-napthalene carboxylic acid, obtained in Example 2, in 10cm³ of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran.

After stirring for 1 hour while letting the reaction mixture return to ambient temperature, the reaction mixture is cooled to 0° C., acidified by the slow addition of 0.1N HCl and extracted with a ethyl ether.

The ether phase is washed with water, dried o sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The crude product is purified by rapid chromatography on silica 60 in a 30/40/30 eluant mixture of toluene/dichloromethane/ethylacetate, respectively, followed by recrystallization in a hexane/acetone mixture.

After drying under a vacuum at 70° C., 0.52 g of white needles of 6-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxmethyl]-2-napthalene carbinol whose melting point is 136° C. is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.24 H.sub.28 O.sub.2                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 82.72        8.10   9.18                                           Found:      82.54        8.07   9.48                                           ______________________________________                                    

Example 18 Preparation of 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzyl)-2-napthalene carboxylic acid Compound of formula III wherein R'=R"=R₃ =R₅ =R₆ =H, R₂ =R₄ =iso C₃ H₇ and R₁ =--CO₂ H.

To a suspension of 1.3 g (20 mmoles) of powdered zinc in 20 cm³ of glacial acetic acid, there is added 0.72 g (2 mmoles) of 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl)-2-napthalene carboxylic acid obtained in Example 2. The reaction mixture is heated for 1 and the reaction mixture is maintained at reflux for 30 minutes.

After cooling to ambient temperature and adding 20 cm³ of 12N HCl, the reaction mixture is diluted with 100 cm³ of water and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase is washed with water, dried on sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude product is purified by chromatography on silica 60 gel in a 30/40/30 eluant mixture of toluene/dichloromethane/ethyl acetate, respectively, followed by recrystallization in hexane containing a trace of acetone.

After drying under a vacuum at 60° C. 0.4 g of white crystals of 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzyl)-2-napthalene carboxylic acid whose melting point is 183°-185° C. is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 250 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.24 H.sub.26 O.sub.2                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 83.20        7.56   9.24                                           Found:      83.08        7.49   9.41                                           ______________________________________                                    

Example 19 Preparation of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) methyl benzoate Compound of formula IV wherein R'₂ =R'₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R' and R"=oxo, R'₃ =R'₅ =H, and R'₁ =--CO₂ CH₃

To a solution, stirred at ambient temperature, of 1.20 cm³ of 1,3-diisopropyl benzene (0.011 mole) and 2 g (0.01 mole) of 4-methoxy carbonyl benzoic acid chloride in 50 cm³ of anhydrous 1,2-dichlorethane there are added, in small portions, 2.40 g of powdered anhydrous aluminum chloride in a manner to maintain the temperature lower than 35° C.

Stirring is continued for 1 hour up to the complete disappearance of the initial reactant. The reaction mixture is poured into 100 cm³ of ice water and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase is washed with an aqueous solution of sodium dihydrogencarbonate, then with water, dreed on magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure.

An oil is recovered which crystallizes in hexane. 2.7 g of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) methyl benzoate melting at 64°-65° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 80 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.21 H.sub.24 O.sub.3                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 77.75        7.46   14.79                                          Found:      77.55        7.46   14.87                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 20 Preparation of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzoic acid Compound of formula IV wherein R'₂ =R'₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R' and R"=oxo, R'₃ =R'₅ =H and R'₁ =--CO₂ H To a solution of 2.7 g of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) methyl benzoate, obtained in Example 19, in 200 cm³ of absolute alcohol there are added 75 cm³ of a 6N aqueous solution of potash. The reaction mixture is heated to 40° C. for about 1 hour until the total disappearance of the initial reactant, then the alcohol is evaporated under reduced pressure. The aqueous phase is diluted with 300 cm³ of water, cooled to 0° C. and acidified with concentrated HCl.

The resulting product is filtered and recrystallized in a toluene/hexane mixture 1.3 of a white powder melting at 181°-182° C. are recovered.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 80 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.20 H.sub.22 O.sub.3                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 77.39        7.15   15.46                                          Found:      77.19        7.15   15.56                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 21 Preparation of 1-(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl)-1-(4-hydroxymethyl phenyl) methanol Compound of formula IV where R'₂ =R'₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R'=H, R"=OH, R'₃ =R'₅ =H and R'₁ =--CH₂ OH

To a suspension of 3.5 g of lithium aluminum hydride in 200 cm³ of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran maintained at 0° C., there is slowly added a solution of 10 g of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) methyl benzoate, obtained in Example 19, in 50 cm³ of tetrahydrofuran. At the end of the addition, stirring of the reaction mixture is maintained, at ambient temperature, until the complete disappearance of the initial reactant and the reduction of the intermediates.

After the addition of 50 cm³ of ethyl acetate to destroy the excess hydride, the solution is poured into 200 cm³ of water, acidified with 3N HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases are washed, dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure.

6 g of 1-(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl)-1(4-hydroxymethyl phenyl) methanol are recovered which crystallizes in hexane in the form of a white powder melting at 85°-86° C. and whose NMR¹ H spectrum 80 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

Example 22 Preparation of 4-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid Compound of formula IV wherein R'₂ =R'₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R'=H, R"=OH, R'₃ =R'₅ =H and R'₁ =--CO₂ H

To a solution, stirred at ambient temperature, of 1 g of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzoic acid obtained in Example 20 in 100 cm³ of methanol there are added, in small portions, 2 g of sodium borohydride.

Stirring is maintained for 2 hours until the complete disappearance of the initial reactant.

The reaction mixture is hydrolyzed with 100 cm³ of water, then acidified with a 3N solution of HCl.

After evaporation of the methanol, under reduced pressure, the aqueous phase is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is washed with water, dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure.

The residue is taken up in a small amount of diisopropyl ether and 400 mg of 4-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid melting at 114°-115° C. are obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 80 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

Example 23 Preparation of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzaldehyde Compound of formula IV wherein R'₂ =R'₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R' and R"=oxo, R'₃ =R'₅ =H and R'₁ =--CHO

To a solution of 6 g of 1-(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl)-1-(4-hydroxymethyl phenyl) methanol, obtained in Example 21, in 200 cm³ of anhydrous dichloromethane 10.8 g of pyridinium chlorochromate are added.

Stirring is maintained for about 3 hours until the complete disappearances of the initial reactant. After the addition of about 20 grams of silica and 300cm³ of dichloromethane, the solution is filtered, washed with a solution of ammonium chloride and water, dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure.

After purification by silica gel chromatography (eluant, 9/1 hexane/ethyl acetate) 3 g of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzaldehyde in the form of an oil are recovered.

The NMR¹ H spectrum 80 MHz conforms to the expected structure.

Example 24 Preparation of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl ethyl cinnamate Compound of formula I wherein n-1, R₂ =R₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R' and R"=oxo, R₃ =R₅ =R₆ =R₇ =R₈ =H, R₉ =CH₃ and R₁ =--CO₂ C₂ H₅

To a solution of 3.5 cm³ of 2-triethyl phosphono propionate in 200 cm³ of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran there is added in small portions, 1 g of sodium hydride. A gaseous evolution is observed.

Stirring is maintained for about 2 hours, then in the absence of light, a few drops of ring ether are added and a solution of 3 g of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzaldehyde, obtained in Example 23, in solution in 50cm³ of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran.

At the end of the addition stirring is maintained for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into a saturated solution of ammonium chloride and extracted with ethyl acetate.

The organic phases are washed, dried and concentrated under reduced pressure.

After purification by silica gel chromatography (eluant: 9.5/0.5 hexane/ethyl acetate) 2 g of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl ethyl cinnamate in the form of an oil whose NMR¹ H spectrum corresponds to the expected structure are recovered.

Example 25 Preparation of (2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl cinnamic acid R₂ =R₄ =iso C₃ H₇, R' and R"=oxo, R₃ =R₅ =R₆ =R₇ =R₈ =H, R₉ =CH₃ and R₁ =--CO₂ H

A solution of 1.5 g of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl ethylcinnamate, obtained in

Example 24, is stirred for 2 hours in a mixture of cm³ of ethanol and 50 cm³ of 6N aqueous potash at a temperature between 40° and 50° C.

After evaporation of the ethanol under reduced pressure, the residue is taken up in 500cm³ of water and acidified with 3N HCl.

The expected acid is extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases are washed, dried and concentrated under reduced pressure.

On recrystallization in hexane 0.9 g of a white powder melting at 119°-120° C. is obtained. The NMR¹ H spectrum 80 MHz corresponds to the structure of 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl cinnamic acid.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.23 H.sub.26 O3                                                 C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 78.82        7.48   13.70                                          Found:      79.91        7.49   13.90                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 26 Preparation of 4-[(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]methyl benzoate Compound of formula IV wherein R'₁ =--CO₂ CH₃, R'=H, R"=OH, R'₅ =adamantyl, R'₄ =OCH₃, R'₂ =R'₃ =H

A solution of 38 g (0.118 mole) of 2-adamantyl-4-bromo anisole in 350cm³ of tetrahydrofuran is added to 2.87 g (0.118 mole) of magnesium. Reflux of tetrahydrofuran is maintained until the complete disappearance of the magnesium. After having cooled the reaction mixture to 0° C. there is slowly added a solution of 13.7 g of methyl 4-formyl benzoate in 50cm³ of tetrahydrofuran. The mixture is maintained for 1 hour at ambient temperature, then poured into a saturated solution of ammonium chloride. The expected product is extracted with ether.

The organic phases are washed, dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure.

After chromatography on silica gel under pressure (eluant: 95/5 toluene/ethyl acetate) 19 g of a white crystallized product melting at 109°-110° C. are recovered. The NMR¹ H spectrum 80 MHz corresponds to the structure of 4-[(3-adamanthyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]methyl benzoate.

Example 27 Preparation of 4-[(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid Compound of formula IV wherein R'₁ =--CO₂ H, R'=R'₂ =R'₃ =H, R"=OH, R'₅ =adamantyl

A suspension of 19 g of 4-[(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]methylbenzoate, obtained in Example 26, is heated for 1 hour 30 minutes at 60° C. in a mixture of 300cm³ of ethanol and 200cm³ of 6N aqueous potash.

After evaporation of the ethanol under reduced pressure, the residue is taken up in 300cm³ of water and acidified to pH 2 with 3N HCl.

The expected acid is extracted with ether. The organic phases are washed, dried and concentrated under reduced pressure.

17 g of a slightly cream colored product melting at 219°-220° C. are recovered. The NMR¹ H spectrum 80MHz corresponds to the structure of 4-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.25 H.sub.28 O.sub.4                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 76.50        7.19   16.31                                          Found:      76.17        7.08   15.93                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 28 Preparation of 4-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl) benzoic acid Compound of formula IV wherein R'₁ =CO₂ H, R'₂ =R'₃ =H, R' and R"=oxo, R'₅ =adamantyl and R'₄ =--OCH₃

To the solution of 10 g of 4-[(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid, obtained in Example 27, in 700cm³ of acetone, there are slowly added, at ambient temperature, a solution of 8 g of K₂ Cr₂ O₇, 7cm³ of concentrated sulfuric acid and 50 cm³ of water.

Stirring is maintained for 1 hour until the disappearance of the initial reactant.

After evaporation under reduced pressure of the acetone, the residue is taken up in 500 cm³ of water and extracted with ethyl ether.

The organic phases are washed, dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. 9.5 g of 4-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl) benzoic acid are recovered. The NMR¹ H spectrum 80MHz corresponds to the expected structure.

2.5 g of the acid whose melting point is 235°-236° C. are recovered on recrystallization of a 3 g sample of the crude acid in a toluene/hexane mixture.

    ______________________________________                                         Example Analysis: C.sub.25 H.sub.26 O.sub.4                                              C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 76.90        6.71   16.39                                          Found:      76.97        6.76   16.52                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 29 Preparation of 4-(3-adamantyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) methyl benzoate Compound of formula IV wherein R'₁ =--CO₂ CH₃, R'₂ =R'₃ =H, R' and R"=oxo, R'₅ =adamantyl and R'₄ =OH

To a suspension of 1.5 g of 4-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl) benzoic acid obtained in Example 28 in 150cm³ of methanol, there is added 1cm³ of a solution of concentrated HCl. The mixture is stirred for 4 hours at the boiling temperature of the solvent. Then at ambient temperature, it is poured into 200cm³ of water, extracted three times with 100cm³ of ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phases are combined, washed with water, dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product is then fractionated by passage through a silica gel column.

The 4-(3-adamantyl-4-hydroxybenzoyl) methyl benzoate is eluted with an 8/2 hexane/ethyl acetate mixture. After evaporation of the solvent, the expected product is isolated in the form of white crystals whose melting point is 270° C.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.25 H.sub.26 O.sub.4                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 76.90        6.71   16.39                                          Found:      76.50        6.97   16.11                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 30 Preparation of 4-(3,5-ditert.butyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) methyl benzoate Compound of formula IV wherein R'₁ =--CO₂ CH₃, R'₂ =H, R' and R"=oxo, R'₃ =R'₅ =tert.C₄ H₉, R'₄ =OH

To a solution, stirred at 0° C, containing 20 g of 2,6-di-tert.butyl phenol and 19 g of 4-methoxycarbonyl benzoic acid chloride in 300cm³ of toluene, there are slowly added 11.6cm³ of stannic chloride diluted with 50cm³ of toluene. The colorless solution progressively turns red. Stirring is maintained again for 2 hours at 0° C. after the end of the addition. The reaction mixture is then left overnight at ambient temperature. The mixture is then poured into 300cm³ of ice water and extracted three times with 150cm³ of ethyl acetate.

The ethyl acetate phases are combined, washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate, dried on magnesium sulfate and concentrated.

The resulting crude product is diluted in a minimum of toluene and deposited in a silica gel column. The expected product is eluted with a 1/1 mixture of hexane/ethylacetate. After evaporation of the solvent and after drying, 3 g of 4-(3,5-di-tert.butyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl)methyl benzoate in the form of a flocculent white powder whose melting point is 172° C. are obtained.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.23 H.sub.28 O.sub.4                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 74.97        7.66   17.37                                          Found:      75.00        7.70   17.52                                          ______________________________________                                    

Example 31 Preparation of 4-(3,5-di-tert.butyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) benzoic acid Compound of Example IV wherein R'₁ =--CO₂ H, R'₂ =H, R' and R"=oxo, R'₃ =R'₅ =tert.C₄ H₉ and R'₄ =OH

A solution of 1 g of 4-(3,5-di-tert.butyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) methyl benzoate, obtained in Example 30, in a mixture of 40 cm³ of a 6N aqueous potash. solution and 100cm³ of ethanol is heated for 1 hour at a temperature of 50° C. Then, the ethanol is removed by evaporation under a vacuum. The ting product is stirred is 200cm³ of water. The resulting solution is acidified by adding 6N HCl and then extracted with 300cm³ of ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate phase is washed three times with water and dried on magnesium sulfate. The ethyl acetate is removed by evaporation under a vacuum. After recrystallization of the crude product in toluene in the presence of a trace of methanol, 0.7 g of 4-(3,5-di.tert.-butyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) benzoic acid in the form of white crystals whose melting point is 255° C. is obtained.

The NMR¹ H spectrum conforms to the expected structure.

    ______________________________________                                         Elemental Analysis: C.sub.22 H.sub.26 O.sub.4                                            C %        H %    O %                                                ______________________________________                                         Calculated: 74.55        7.39   18.06                                          Found:      74.12        7.42   18.61                                          ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE OF COMPOSITIONS A. Oral Compositions

    ______________________________________                                         Example I - 0.2 g tablet                                                       6-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-                                                                    0.010  g                                            2-naphthalene carboxylic acid                                                  Starch                     0.115  g                                            Dicalcium phosphate        0.020  g                                            Silica                     0.020  g                                            Lactose                    0.030  g                                            Talc                       0.010  g                                            Magnesium stearate         0.005  g                                            Example II - Drinkable suspension in 5 ml ampoules                             6-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl)-                                                                        0.010  g                                            2-naphthalene carboxylic acid                                                  Glycerine                  0.500  g                                            Sorbitol, 70%              0.500  g                                            Sodium Saccharinate        0.010  g                                            Methyl parahydroxy benzoate                                                                               0.040  g                                            Flavoring agent, sufficient amount                                             Purified water, sufficient amount for                                                                     5.000  ml                                           ______________________________________                                    

B. Topical Compositions

    ______________________________________                                         Example III - Ointment                                                         6-(4-methoxy-3-phenyl benzoyl)-                                                                         0.100   g                                             2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate                                               Isopropyl myristate      81.700  g                                             Fluid petrolatum oil     9.100   g                                             Silica, sold under the trade name                                                                       9.100   g                                             "Aerosil 200" by Degussa                                                       Example IV - Anionic oil-in-water cream                                        6-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl benzoyl)-                                                                  0.100   g                                             2-methyl naphthalene carboxylate                                               Sodium dodecyl sulfate   0.800   g                                             Glycerol                 2.000   g                                             Stearyl alcohol          20.000  g                                             Triglycerides of capric/caprylic                                               acids sold under the trade name                                                "Miglyol 812" by Dymamit Nobel                                                                          20.000  g                                             Preservatives, sufficient amount                                               Demineralized water, sufficient                                                                         100.000 g                                             amount for                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

In examples III and IV above, the active compound can be replaced by an equivalent amount of 6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl)-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid.

    ______________________________________                                         Example V - Gel                                                                N-ethyl 6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-                                                                        0.500   g                                            1-naphthalene carboxamide                                                      Hydroxypropyl cellulose sold                                                                             2.000   g                                            under the trade name "Klucel HF"                                               by Hercules                                                                    Water/ethanol, 50/50, sufficient                                                                         100.000 g                                            amount for                                                                     Example VI - Anti-seborrhea cream                                              Polyoxyethylenated stearate (40 moles                                                                    4.00    g                                            of ethylene oxide), sold under the                                             trade name "Myrj 52" by Atlas                                                  Mixture of lauryl esters of sorbitol                                                                     1.800   g                                            and sorbiton, polyoxyethylevated                                               with 20 moles of ethylene oxide,                                               sold under the trade name                                                      "Tween 20" by Atlas                                                            Mixture of glycerol mono-and di-stearate,                                                                4.200   g                                            sold under the trade name "GELEOL" by                                          Gattefosse                                                                     Propylene glycol          10.000  g                                            Butyl hydroxyanisole      0.010   g                                            Butyl hydroxytoluene      0.020   g                                            Cetyl-stearyl alcohol     6.200   g                                            Preservatives, sufficient amount                                               Perhydrosqualene          18.000  g                                            Mixture of caprylic-capric                                                                               4.000   g                                            triglycerides, sold under the                                                  trade name "Miglyol 812" by                                                    Dynamit Nobel                                                                  S-carboxymethyl cysteine  3.000   g                                            Triethanolamine, 99%      2.500   g                                            6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl)-2-                                                                           0.100   g                                            naphthalene carboxylic acid                                                    Water, sufficient amount for                                                                             100.000 g                                            Example VII - Anti-seborrhea cream                                             Stearate polyoxyethylenated (40                                                                          4.000   g                                            moles of ethylene oxide), sold                                                 under the trade name "Myrj 52"                                                 by Atlas                                                                       Mixture of lauryl esters of                                                                              1.800   g                                            sorbitol and sorbitan,                                                         polyoxyethylenated with 20 moles                                               of ethylene oxide, sold under the                                              trade name "Tween 20" by Atlas                                                 Mixture of mono- and distearate of                                                                       4.200   g                                            glycerol, sold under the trade                                                 name "GELEOL" by Gattefosse                                                    Propylene glycol          10.000  g                                            Butylhydroxyanisole       0.010   g                                            Butylhydroxytoluene       0.020   g                                            Cetyl-stearyl alcohol     6.200   g                                            Preservatives, sufficient amount                                               Perhydrosqualene          18.000  g                                            Mixture of coprylic-copric                                                                               4.000   g                                            triglycerides, sold under the                                                  trade name "Miglyol 812" by                                                    Dynamit Nobel                                                                  5-amino-5-carboxy-3-thiapentanoate                                                                       3.000   g                                            of 2-benzylthio ethylammonium                                                  6-(4-tert.butyl benzoyl)-2-                                                                              0.500   g                                            naphthalene carboxylic acid                                                    Water, sufficient amount for                                                                             100.000 g                                            Example VIII - Hair lotion                                                     Propylene glycol          20.000  g                                            Ethanol                   34.870  g                                            Polyethylene glycol, molecular                                                                           40.000  g                                            mass 400                                                                       Water                     4.000   g                                            Butylhydroxyanisole       0.010   g                                            Butylhydroxytoluene       0.020   g                                            6-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy  0.100   g                                            benzoyl)-2-naphthalene                                                         carboxylic acid                                                                Minoxidil                 1.000   g                                            Example IX - Anti-acne gel                                                     6-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl)-2-                                                                           0.200   g                                            naphthalene carboxylic acid                                                    Isopropyl alcohol         40.000  g                                            Polymer of acrylic acid, sold under                                                                      1.000   g                                            the trade name "CARBOPOL 940"                                                  by Goodrich Chemical Co.                                                       Triethanolamine, 99%      0.600   g                                            Butylhydroxyanisole       0.010   g                                            Butylhydroxytoluene       0.020   g                                            Tioxolone                 0.500   g                                            Propylene glycol          8.000   g                                            Purified water, sufficient                                                                               100.000 g                                            amount for                                                                     ______________________________________                                     

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound selected from the group consisting of4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) methyl benzoate, 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzoic acid, 4-[(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid, 1-(2,4-diisopropyl phenyl)-1-(4-hydroxymethyl phenyl) methanol, 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) benzaldehyde, 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl ethyl cinnamate, 4-(2,4-diisopropyl benzoyl) α-methyl cinnamic acid, [4-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]methyl benzoate, 4-[(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy phenyl) hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid, 4-(3-adamantyl-4-methoxy benzoyl) benzoic acid, 4-(3-adamantyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) benzoic acid, 4-(3-adamantyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) methyl benzoate and 4-(3,5-ditert.butyl-4-hydroxy benzoyl) methyl benzoate. 